<p>has anyone here done mediocre in a subject they want to major in. Like high 80s in a class which you want to major in?</p>
<p>Yep! I love math because of the satisfaction I get from solving a problem right, but I always seem to get B+/A-'s in my math class. The grade isn’t that big of a deal to me, because I really only care about how much I have learned. However, sometimes it might be nice to have an A to show for all the hard work I put into that subject.</p>
<p>I do not consider high 80s to be “mediocre”. As a teacher, I say that you are doing well! If you are getting B’s in your dream field, I say continue on. Unless your field is highly unusual, there will be a job you love available when you graduate.</p>
<p>For me it depends on my teacher. English is my best subject-- i absolutely love it and will probably major in it, but sophomore year i got Bs and B-'s because my teacher was HORRENDOUS and didn’t like me…because i didnt share her opinions. (freshman year i slacked off b/c my best friend was in my class and got Bs too… which i still really regret)
Now im getting A-'s and my teacher is the head of the english dept but i love her. </p>
<p>it just varies so much.</p>
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<p>I’m in that situation right now (my sophomore year). I want to major in English and work in publishing, but I got a 6- (B+/A-) first term, after getting straight 7s (A+) all of last year. Interestingly, my old teacher was a much harder grader than my current one – the difference is that he was fair in his grading.</p>
<p>I agree that unless your school has extreme grade inflation a grade in the high 80s isn’t bad at all. At my school it would be an A or A-, but we suffer from grade deflation. If you love the subject, by all means, continue with it. </p>
<p>zpmqxonw – I agree. Math has always been my worst subject (B+/A-), but I enjoy the challenge and will be taking IB Math HL next year.</p>
<p>I always use Michael Jordan as an example about sticking with what you love. Jordan was cut from is high school basketball team - someone thought he didn’t have the talent, apparently. How wrong were they?</p>
<p>Parallel here: if you love a subject and want to pursue that field, go for it. Maybe you haven’t fully developed your feel for it, or skill for it yet. Or maybe someone didn’t see what you had. Do what it takes to succeed in what you love. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.</p>
<p>PS I hope one of the brilliant folks on this board doesn’t have proof-positive that the above Michael Jordan story is aprocryphal. It’s too important to my parenting/Dutch-uncle skills. :o</p>
<p>Hi 20854, I encourage you to pursue the subject(s) that are the most satisfying to you, regardless of current grades. Your own motivation will determine your eventual success, and you will be more likely to become a star if you love the subject. </p>
<p>A friend of mine (many years ago) wanted to be on the US Equestrian Team. He was absolutely determined to achieve this goal. He once said something that I have remembered all these years: “Some riders are naturally talented. I’m not as talented, but I’m willing to work twice as hard and do whatever it takes.” And he did eventually make the team. This simple statement illustrates the power of will and intention, the engine of the human spirit.</p>
<p>Don’t hold back when you tackle your chosen subject in college. Do all the reading, master the discipline, get to know your professors, share your enthusiasm with others. Desire is the fulcrum of a life. Go after yours!</p>
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<p>I don’t know whether it is apochryphal. It’s is similar to the possibly apocryphal tale of Einstein flunking 8th grade math. Whatever the case I think such inspiring stories need to be used cautiously so as not to give false hope. How many struggling young players put in long hours perfecting their games? How many of them have turned out like Michael Jordan? </p>
<p>Fortunately for Michael he had sufficient talent to permit him to make the best of all that dedication and practice. You never hear about all those thousands of dreamers who spent hours on end running drills and practicing their shooting and never made it to Journeyman much less Superstar.</p>
<p>I think a distinction needs to be made between careers such as business, teaching, much of science, law, etc. where intelligence and hard work are usually sufficient to succeed and other careers, such as playing pro-sports or being a genius who revolutionizes theoretical physics, where special talents are needed.</p>